Scored 259, then got injured, THIS batter adds to Team India's headache ahead of Leeds Test, what happens to the playing XI now...
Team India has been dealt a fresh setback ahead of the first Test against England, as uncertainty looms over their playing XI. The concern has arisen due to an injury to one of their key batters.
The countdown to the first Test at Leeds has just begun, and Team India has suffered an untimely blow as one of the most-in-form batters on the tour, Karun Nair, has suffered an injury on his rib. This happened in a net session when he was hit on the ribcage with a popping delivery by pacer Prasidh Krishna throwing his availability in the opening Test in doubt.
The Indian Test team had generated high levels of excitement concerning Karun Nair who came back to the team after an absence of almost eight years. He had returned at the international stage after a Test match debut way back in 2016, and his resurgence was considered to be a second chance to his international career. That momentum can now be slowed down by the injury and his long awaited comeback into the playing XI can also be halted at a time when he appeared set for a recall.
Nair had already provided solid grounds to stake his right to play with the bat, having notched 259 runs in three innings in two wam-up matches against the England Lions. He became the sole Indian batsman on tour that scored a double century in English conditions, and thus he has been given the strong candidate in the middle-order slots in the Test XI. His present form has proved him to be an invaluable asset going into the series.
The team management has not given an official medical statement yet on the extent to which Karun Nair has hurt his ribs. It does not seem to be very serious, and sources in the team are secretive. His camp is optimistic that he will get back in time to play in the first Test.
The problem in this case is that India will have to find alternatives to the position either at No. 5 or No. 6, in case Karun Nair is not given a chance. This means that Abhimanyu Easwaran could be back in consideration of a place in the playing XI. Although Easwaran is best used as a top order player, his experience in domestic cricket may count towards his advantage.
This is a bad turn of events in the redemption story of Karun Nair. He has the reputation of scoring a triple century in 2016 since then has not been able to maintain a spot in the side. The Leeds Test was turning out to be an opportunity at rewriting that script. Then, should it be eliminated, it will not only postpone his comeback, but it would further prolong the wait to another opportunity in Test redemption.
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